TOW #2- Visual Text

http://www.theonion.com/graphic/veiled-threat-53749

On August 24, 2016, a woman attending a beach in Nice, France was forced by police to remove her burkini because of the ban on such attire in the town in light of recent terrorism shocks. Images of this event spread across the Internet, causing outrage due to the fact that many people believe this woman should have been able to wear what she wants and what her religion prompts she should. On the other hand, there are people who defend the band and believe that any woman who wears a burqa is dangerous, or an outcast. The cartoon pictured above uses satire to show how the religious beliefs of other people do not personally affect anyone but themselves. The bald eagle, our national animal, is drawn dead, and the Statue of Liberty is crying, both of which exaggerate the effect that burkinis have on America as a whole. The creator of the cartoon is hoping that viewers see just how ridiculous it is for people to judge someone on their clothing, and that by allowing the women to wear burkinis, the country itself is not affected in any way. The target audience of this image was mainly Americans, which is made obvious by the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and the Miss America Pageant contestants. The person who made the cartoon is mainly hoping to get the attention of Americans because our country has a massive effect on the rest of the world. If the United States allow burqas, burkinis, etc. to be worn, then other countries will hopefully follow suit due to this country’s large influence. I found this visual text on The Onion, a popular satirical newspaper that has been up and running since 1988. While the specific illustrator is not written on the website, this source is reliable due to the fact that many people view it and the company employs many well-known reporters. I believe that the image achieved its purpose because it makes people who disagree with burqas look silly and uneducated.